Sep 29, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh looks on during the first half against the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.
The following questions are about current Minnesota Vikings topics, answered by VikingsTerritory. Today is the October 4th edition, addressed in a from-the-hip fashion. If you have questions, please email them to DustinBakerNFL@gmail.com.
Also, please note: These are opinion-based responses. Some answers will be incorrect from time to time. But we’ll try to keep that to a minimum.
Answer: Jets 23-20.
This matchup feels a little tricky for the Vikings because of four reasons:
1. Aaron Rodgers knows the Vikings and about 40% of the defensive personnel.
2. The Jets are desperate after losing to the lowly Broncos and arguably need a dub more than Minnesota.
3. Minnesota played a little shaky in the 2nd Half of the game at Green Bay, and if that persists, New York can steal one.
4. The Jets’ defense is on the same level as the Vikings’ and might be the toughest challenge to date in 2024.
Answer: The 2016 team could not rush the football — at all. The 2024 team can.
Furthermore, the 2024 team is just more balanced. Defense and special teams kept the 2016 club afloat during the first section of the season. The schedule also wasn’t as brutal that year.
While no Vikings fans would be too shocked if the current team regressed — like it did in 2016 — the 2024 Minnesota club is better coached and hasn’t felt fluky at all.
Answer: Patrick Jones II.
The veteran pass rusher has 5 sacks, 7 QB hits, a forced fumble, and 14 tackles to boot. And that’s while playing about half the time on defense. Jones II was a cut candidate for some during the summer but has proven his worth and then some in 2024.
It’s uncertain if he’ll remain a Viking after 2024 — this year is the final of his contract — but he’s really making an impact right now.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.